Big changes are underway in Russian politics -- or are they? Yes the government has changed. There's a new Prime Minister, and only one rather than six deputy prime ministers. The unruly 23 government ministries have been trimmed to a more manageable 14 super ministries. New faces have been recalled from Brussels, New York and Perm to lead important posts, like Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and Natural Resources Minister.

But in Russian politics, the old saying, "the more things change, the more they stay the same” is apt. As President Putin begins his second term, with a voter mandate of 71 percent and nearly absolute consolidation of power in his hands, the status quo will prevail. Continued stability and economic progress will no doubt be the hallmark of Putin's second term. But so too could be greater limitations on freedom of speech and free press, as well as more state control of the natural resource sector.

"Without an articulated vision or policy platform for the country, President Putin enters office with a clear mandate and broad support of the people, the politicians and even many pundits," says PBN's Chairman & CEO Peter B. Necarsulmer. "But with such a mandate also comes tremendous responsibility. If progress in solving the quality-of-life concerns of the average Russian is not made, there is but one person to turn to for answers: Mr. Putin."

In this edition of Access PBN, The PBN Company offers our analysis of the likely direction of President Putin's second term as well as an overview of the newly reorganized Russian government, including profiles of some of the new government leaders. It also includes a reprint of an article from the American Chamber of Commerce in Russia by PBN Chairman Peter B. Necarsulmer, comparing lobbying practices in Russia and the West.

Email Peter: peter.necarsulmer@pbnco.com